Solar Power for Home

Posted under residential solar panels by Kurt Novak

Over the course of a day, the sun emits huge amounts of potential energy in form of light and heat. This energy can be harnessed in a few different ways, including:

- Simply using the sun to help regulate home temperature (passive solar energy)

- By using mirrors and thermal solar collectors, it is possible to magnify the heat energy of the sun and apply it to different substances, including water

- The light emitted by the sun can be converted into electricity with photovoltaic cells

When done effectively, taking advantage of the heat and light energy displaced by the sun can have a substantial impact on your monthly bills. Harnessing the suns power in this sense is known as Passive Solar Power. A few ideas to help you take advantage of the suns passive energy include:

- A well insulated home. This should result in an inside temperature that stays fairly constant. It is vital to have properly insulated ceilings, walls, and floors. Other key areas include around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. This is the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy.

- Along the lines of insulation, curtains can have a strong impact on maintaining a consistent home temperature. Shutters and clear insulating window covers can also play a role in keeping warm air in or cold air out.

- Strategically placed vegetation, both inside and outside can help prevent heat from entering your home. When placed around windows or door ways, plants serve as a sort of heat barrier and can surprisingly keep a house quite cool in the summer. In addition to this, plants also provide fresh air, which is a nice thing to have!

Anyone who has been outside on a warm, muggy summers day can realize the amazing amount of heat displaced by the sun. With the proper tools, it is easy to take advantage of this energy to heat water or even a house.

A thermal collector is a device that features an array of dark metal plates, covered in a sheet of glass. The sun warms these metal plates, which absorb the heat and transfer it to a substance, for example water or air. This heated substance can now be used immediately, or stored in a well insulated container for later use.

Finally, light emitted from the sun can be captured and converted to electricity. Basically, this is achieved through a reaction that happens within the photovoltaic panels which results in charged electrons creating an electric current. This can then be stored in a battery or used directly.

About the author: Miles Novak is a writer and enthusiast of home energy. Visit his webpage for a guide to Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.